Pooja Hegde has made a strong comeback in 2025 and 2026 with a diverse set of projects across Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu cinema. After a relatively quiet phase, she returned with the action thriller *Deva* opposite Shahid Kapoor, followed by a critically appreciated performance as Rukmini in Karthik Subbaraj’s *Retro* alongside Suriya. Her special appearance in the song “Monica” from Rajinikanth’s *Coolie* further boosted her visibility and became a major talking point. In 2026, Hegde featured in David Dhawan’s romantic comedy *Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai* with Varun Dhawan and Mrunal Thakur. The film marked her return to a full-fledged Bollywood lead role after a gap and delivered average box-office results. She also starred as Kayal in Vijay’s highly anticipated political action drama *Jana Nayagan*, which faced multiple delays due to certification issues and a leak before finally releasing in July 2026. Hegde is currently preparing for her much-awaited Telugu return with *Sri Sri*, a romantic drama opposite Dulquer Salmaan directed by Ravi Nelakuditi. The film, earlier known as DQ41, has already released its first look and the song “Bomma Bomma.” She has also wrapped her portions in Raghava Lawrence’s horror-comedy *Kanchana 4*, which also features Nora Fatehi. These projects highlight Hegde’s attempt to balance commercial entertainers with more substantial roles. From emotional performances in Tamil cinema to romantic leads and horror-comedy, she is actively expanding her range while maintaining a pan-Indian presence. Industry observers note that her choices in 2025-26 reflect a more selective and versatile approach compared to earlier years. With *Sri Sri* and *Kanchana 4* still in the pipeline, Pooja Hegde continues to remain relevant across multiple film industries. Her recent work has helped rebuild momentum, and audiences are now watching to see whether these upcoming films will further strengthen her position as a leading pan-Indian actress.
